Become a Bartender in California: 7 Steps to Land Your Dream Job!

Bartending is a desirable career option for anyone who loves to interact with people, enjoys normal conversations, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. 

California, the Golden State, has a wide range of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and drinking establishments actively looking to hire bartenders, servers, and managers.

However, becoming a bartender in the Golden State is more than mixing drinks—it requires skill, personality, and legal know-how to serve drinks. Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or hospitality professional looking to level up, if you don’t know how to get a bartending job in California, this guide is for you. 

In today’s guide, we will walk you through the seven essential steps to land your dream bartending job in California. From understanding the ins and outs of bartender certification in California to mastering the latest mixology trends, we’ll cover everything you need to know to stand out in this competitive field and become a bartender in California. So, without further ado, let’s dive into California bartending!

Understanding Bartender Certification in California

Before we get into the depth of landing your dream bartending job in California, you need to understand the importance of certifications in this field. For all the good reasons, California takes its alcohol service seriously. 

When becoming a bartender, you need to get certified as a professional in the field who knows everything about alcohol Regulation and consumer safety. If you look at it, it’s like a bartending passport, allowing you to access opportunities across the state. On top of that, it teaches you the state’s liquor laws, helping you serve confidently and keep your workplace in the clear.

The rising Popularity and Demand of Bartending in California

California’s cocktail culture is booming, and bartending is at the center of it. From San Francisco’s craft cocktail scene to LA’s star-studded bars, the demand for skilled mixologists is through the roof. This surge isn’t just about pouring drinks; it’s about creating experiences.

Due to the high demand, there are a lot of staffing and recruitment agencies looking for top bartenders for hire. The rise of food and drink festivals, coupled with California’s thriving tourism industry, has created a perfect storm of opportunity for aspiring bartenders for parties. If you have the skills and the passion, there’s never been a better time to shake things up in the Golden State’s bartending field. 

Let’s take a look at the essential skills you will need to succeed in this line of work.

Essential Skills for a Successful Bartender

Being a top-notch bartender in California isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. You will have to be part artist, part therapist, and part octopus who can multitask.

First up, you need to be on point with your mixology game. From precisely pouring drinks to making flavor combos to having presentation skills that’d make Instagram influencers weep, servers of alcoholic beverages need to have it all. However, apart from pouring drinks, you also need to have sharp people skills to talk with anyone without losing the charm.

Here’s a quick rundown of the must-have skills:

• Mixology skills: Know your spirits, syrups, and shakers
• Top-notch customer service: Read the room and keep everyone happy
• Sharp memory: Remember orders, faces, and regulars’ favorites
• Multitasking skills: Juggle orders, conversations, and cash without breaking a sweat
• Patience of a saint: Late-night crowds may test your patience at times

No matter what you face while standing at the bar, you need to keep it cool, stay curious, and always be ready to learn. The bar scene’s always evolving, but it’s not too late. 

For a comprehensive analysis of the bartenders role, you can also take a look at the handbook and definition of the profession at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To start a journey into a career of bartending in LA, just follow these steps:

Step 1: Understanding the Importance of Being A Legally Compliant Bartender

As we said, before you become a bartender in California and start flipping bottles and crafting signature cocktails, the first step is to get legally compliant. In California, it’s not just about looking cool behind the bar—it’s about being a responsible, law-abiding drink slinger.

Apart from ensuring customer safety and keeping you out of hot water, being a legally compliant bartender shows that you’re serious about your craft and committed to keeping everyone safe. 

So, the importance of legal compliance in California boils down to one key certification—the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training. The RBS bartender training in California will allow you to legally serve alcohol in the Golden State, as it covers all the necessary knowledge required to safely serve alcohol to different customers.

Certification Breakdown: RBS Training

From its breakdown, RBS training is more than an achievement to add to your resume—it covers all the essential components of the bartending field such as:

• Alcohol’s effects on the body
• Spotting fake IDs like a professional
• Dealing with rowdy customers without losing your cool
• The legal lowdown on serving alcohol

Also, after this training, you’ll need to pass an exam to get the bartending license in California, but don’t worry. Most people pass on the first try, and if you pay attention during the training, the knowledge sticks with you long after you’ve got that certificate in hand.

Step 2: Obtain Necessary Qualifications

After you have obtained the RBS certificate and basic skills, you are good to go with the legalities of bartending. However, to prosper in this industry, you still need to acquire some necessary qualifications to standout as a solid bartender for weddings and parties. 

Consider getting a mixology certificate or taking a specialized bartending course. These extras can give you an edge when you’re applying for those coveted positions at luxury bars or high-end events. Remember, in this industry, knowledge is power—the more qualifications you have, the better it will be for you to grow in your career.

Are there any Educational Requirements for Bartenders in California?

Unlike most professions, bartending in California doesn’t require a strong educational background. But don’t think you can just waltz behind the bar without any prep. While formal education isn’t mandatory, having some training under your belt can give you a serious edge.

Many employers prefer candidates with bartending certificates or mixology courses. These qualifications show that you’re committed to the craft, are fulfilling the requirements, and have a solid foundation in drink-making techniques. Moreover, they often cover crucial topics like:

• Alcohol safety and ability and skills to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages
• Mixology basics and advanced techniques
• Bar management and inventory control
• Customer service and conflict resolution

With complete control over these topics, you can beat the competition and become a bartender in California in no time.

Direct Comparison of Certification Costs

While certifications are great for your bartending career, they do come with some varying costs, but don’t let that discourage you from exploring these courses. The RBS training, which is mandatory comes at around $18 online. Some fancy bartending schools might set you back a few hundred bucks, but make sure to check and compare the prices so you don’t break the bank.

Moreover, many bars offer on-the-job training where you can get hands-on practice alongside general learning, which is at times worth more than any theoretical courses. You can also consider free online resources that’ll teach you a thing or two. Remember, it’s not about how much money you spend on courses, if you have a hunger for learning, you can learn even without breaking the bank. 

Step 3: Select a Bartending School

So far we discussed the importance of being legally compliant and acquiring the necessary qualifications to become a bartender in California, it’s time to move on to selecting your training ground! Picking the right bartending school in California can make or break your journey in this field. But don’t stress—we’ll help you select the best bartending school in California.

When scouting schools, look for these key ingredients:

• Hands-on practice time (because theory only gets you so far)
• Instructors with real-world experience 
• Job placement assistance (connections are gold in this industry)
• Flexible schedules 

Remember, the best school for you might not be the fanciest or most expensive. It’s all about finding the right fit for your goals and learning style.

Profiles of Top-Rated Schools

If you are ready to learn and get to the top of your bartending game, you need to aim for the top-rated bartending schools. These institutions don’t just train anyone who wants to become a bartender in California; they shape future mixology professionals.

Our top picks of bartending institutions include:

1. The Mixology Academy, Los Angeles: Hands-on training with strong industry connections.
2. San Francisco School of Bartending: A 40-year legacy with a long list of successful alumni.
3. National Bartenders School: Flexible schedules and job placement assistance across multiple locations.

While these institutes are popular for their top-of-the-line bartending training, the best school for you will depend on your goals, location, and learning style. So do your homework, read reviews, and maybe even chat with recent graduates before making your choice. You might even find opportunities to do group gigs together which give a lot of hands-on experience in bar teamwork.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

After learning the skill of bartending, the next step is to gain practical exposure, which is the most important step of all. In the ideal world, you will land your first job without practical experience but that is not very likely to happen in this competitive market. Even so, agency experience gives you exposure and standards, helping you avoid questioning stuff like “How much should I budget for an open bar at a wedding?”

 So you may have to start small such as volunteering at local events, shadowing experienced bartenders, or fetching a barback position. Although these opportunities will not cover your bills, they will be great for giving you practical exposure in the field. You could even give niche thematic bars or model bartending a try to expand your skill set.

Here’s the expert advice – keep a journal of drink recipes, customer interactions, and lessons you will learn during these gigs. It’ll help you identify your shortcomings and develop your skills further.

Moreover, stay attentive during these gigs as every shift is a chance to impress. Who knows that event staffing gig might just lead to your dream bartending job.

Securing Internships at Top Bars

Scoring an bartending services internship at a top-tier bar is not an easy mission. These gigs are rare, with more than usual applicants applying for them. So you need to stay ahead and stand out from them.

To secure these opportunities, you need to have strong industry networks. So start hitting up every industry event, join bartending forums, and don’t hesitate to DM your mixology idols.

Also, when you land that dream spot, be prepared to hustle. You might start by polishing glasses, but keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. Every shift is a valuable lesson in mixology and customer service.

Step 5: Develop Your Bartending Skills

By securing internships and gaining practical experience, you will learn a lot about bartending. However, you need to further develop your skills to thrive in California’s bartending culture. 

Start by mastering the basics. Then, let your creativity run wild. Experiment with flavor combinations, infusions, and garnishes that’ll make your drinks Instagram-worthy. But remember, it’s not all about the booze.

Work on your multitasking skills, practice your banter, and learn to read the room. Keep pushing yourself, stay curious, and never stop learning—the bar scene’s always evolving, and so should you.

Advanced Mixology Techniques

Once you have developed your basic bartending skills, move on to advanced techniques such as molecular gastronomy where you use foam garnishes, smoke-infused spirits, and cocktails that change color as you sip. Get cozy with tools like iSi whippers for instant infusions and sous vide machines for perfectly flavored syrups.

Step 6: Navigate the Job Market

Once you have mastered all your bartending skills, there’s no time to waste—start navigating the bartending job market. 

First, polish your resume to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Next, hit up industry events, freelance parties, and wedding gigs, or connect with fellow mixologists on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to bars you admire.

Remember, you will need to be persistent. With that said, keep honing your craft, stay open to opportunities, and always bring your A-game to any gig you get. 

Utilizing Industry Contacts for Job Placement

Being fair and square, without having industry contacts or networks, you will face lots of challenges in finding the right bartending opportunity. However, while networking may seem overwhelming, you just need to reach out to people you know in the industry. Message your former instructors, classmates, and even that cool bartender who taught you the perfect Old Fashioned pouring technique.

You can even leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram to connect with local bar managers and event planners. Remember, the California bartending scene is all about community so you may join professional bartending associations.

These connections might just lead to your next gig or a killer recommendation. So, put yourself out there and start shaking up those relationships!

Step 7: Plan for Ongoing Career Development

Let’s say you landed that dream gig—what’s the next move? As discussed above, the bartending industry is always evolving and you’ve got to keep up with the pace. That is only possible if you never stop polishing your skills and knowledge.

Stay thirsty for knowledge – attend workshops, join mixology competitions, and maybe even mentor bartenders who are starting out in their careers. Keep your finger on the pulse of industry trends, from zero-proof concoctions to sustainable bar practices. By doing this, you will keep advancing in your career and stay on the top of the chart, too.

Importance of Advancing Your Bartending Skillset

If you even rest on your laurels for a little while, you will get left behind in no time. Advancing your bartending skillset isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about thriving in a competitive industry. 

Here’s why staying on the top of your game matters:

• Increased earning potential: Advanced skills often lead to better tips and higher-paying gigs
• Job security: Versatile bartenders are more valuable to employers
• Personal growth: Mastering new techniques keeps the job exciting and fulfilling
• Industry respect: Skilled mixologists earn recognition from peers and patrons alike

The day you give up on learning is the day you will get replaced by someone who just has more knowledge and skills than you. So, keep your mind open at all times!

Salary and Job Outlook for Bartenders in California

This might be the most exciting part of this guide—looking at the salary and job outlook for bartenders in California. Bartending in the Golden State can be as lucrative as it is fun. On average:

• Freelance Bartenders: Typically earn around $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the event type, experience, and location.
• Full-Time Bartenders: Average salary of $30,000 to $50,000 per year, with additional tips significantly boosting earnings.

But to be fair and square, your earnings can vary wildly depending on where you’re slinging drinks. Bartending at luxurious LA rooftop bars will pay you more compared to small-town pubs. But don’t let that discourage you as you have to start somewhere before reaching those high levels. 

As for job prospects, they’re looking as bright as a freshly polished martini glass. With California’s booming hospitality scene and the rise of craft cocktail culture, skilled bartenders are in high demand. Just keep in mind, in this industry, your attitude and skills are your best assets for climbing the career ladder.

Conclusion

Breaking into California’s bartending scene can feel overwhelming. With strict certification requirements, competitive job markets, and a need for hands-on skills, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start. Start by attaining bartender certification in California, attending the best bartending schools, and networking. Remember, if you’re constantly learning and putting yourself out there, you are always getting closer to achieving your goal. 

Even now, it’s understandable to question how to get a bartending job in California. Unfortunately, the answer is not definitive. The only way forward is to make your mark as a top-tier bartender as quickly as possible. 

To do that, it’s essential to follow the right steps — from understanding California’s legal requirements to mastering the art of pouring and making flavor combos, there’s a lot to learn to when it comes to bartending services in California. 

Premier Staff is always on the lookout for the best bartenders throughout the US. If interested, have a look at our open positions and apply today!